System and method for training human subjects to improve off-axis neuromuscular control of the lower limbs

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is the most commonly injured knee ligament in sports-related activities, especially in pivoting sports. Considering that the knee is free to flex / extend but has much more limited motions about the off-axis (tibia rotation and valgus / varus), ACL injuries are often associated with excessive off-axis loadings. A pivoting / sliding mechanism combined with sagittal plane movement / exercise is described as a diagnostic tool to evaluate off-axis neuromechanical and anatomical risk factors of noncontact ACL injuries. The pivoting / sliding mechanism is also described as an intervention tool for off-axis training, possibly based on the diagnosis, to reduce the incidence of ACL injuries. Training outcome can also be evaluated using the pivoting / sliding mechanism. In general, the pivoting / sliding mechanism can be used with many sagittal plane exercise machines and used to improve off-axis control of the lower limbs and reduce lower limb injuries.

Description

RELATED U.S. APPLICATION DATA[0001]Provisional application No. 60 / 919,401, filed on Mar. 22, 2007FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the field of exercise training and injury prevention and rehabilitation.BACKGROUND OF INVENTION[0003]Musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limbs are associated with the strenuous sports and recreational activities. The knee was the most often injured body area, with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) as the most frequently injured body part overall (Lauder et al., Am J Prey. Med., 18: 118-128, 2000). Approximately 80,000 to 250,000 ACL tears occur annually in the U.S. with an estimated cost for the injuries of almost one billion dollars per year (Griffin et al. Am J Sports Med. 34, 1512-32). The highest incidence is in individuals 15 to 25 years old who participate in pivoting sports (Griffin et al., J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 8, 141-150, 2000). Considering that the lower limbs are free to move in the sagittal plane (e.g., knee flexi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]An off-axis training and evaluation mechanism is designed to help human subjects improve neuromuscular control about the off-axes including external / internal tibial rotation, valgus / varus, inversion / eversion, and sliding in mediolateral, anteroposterior directions, and their combined motions (change the “modifiable” factors and reduce the risk of ACL and other lower limb injuries). Practically, an isolated tibial pivoting or frontal plane valgus / varus exercise against resistance in a seated posture, for example, is not closely related to functional weight-bearing activities and may not provide effective training. Therefore, off-axis training is combined with sagittal plane movements to make the training more practical and potentially more effective. In practical implantations, the off-axis training (e.g., pivoting / sliding) mechanism can be combined with various sagittal plane exercise / training machines including the elliptical machines, stair climbers, stair steppers, and exercise bicycles. Furthermore, the off-axis training (e.g., pivoting / sliding) mechanism can be implemented for an individual off-axis such as pivoting mechanism only or the sliding mechanism only, or it can be implemented in the combined axes such as pivoting-sliding mechanism.

Problems solved by technology

Practically, an isolated tibial pivoting or frontal plane valgus / varus exercise against resistance in a seated posture, for example, is not closely related to functional weight-bearing activities and may not provide effective training.

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